Preview:
Argentina - Ecuador
Argentina are looking to pick up another three points on their journey to the 2006 World Cup on Tuesday, standing in their way is Ecuador.
Despite playing at home, a win might not be so easy for Argentina as they have had trouble putting together an ideal squad.
Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa took drastic action after Inter Milan decided to include midfielders Kily Gonzalez and Javier Zanetti in their squad for Sunday's Serie A match with Reggina.
Bielsa says he was forced to drop them from the squad, even though he considers them fundamental parts of his team.
Ecuador boasts a full strength squad and will be a tough team to topple.
Team News:
Argentina:
In their last five meetings with Ecuador, Argentina has dominated the rivalry winning 4 of 5 matches.
Furthermore, they have outscored Ecuador during those encounters 15 to 6.
Manager Bielsa cannot count on Chelsea's Juan Sebastian Veron because of injury while Roma's Walter Samuel is suspended for this encounter.
Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme have been named to the squad but are not expected to start.
Ecuador:
Manager Hernan Dario Gomez says that former Celta Vigo striker Ivan Kaviedes will be a game-time decision but is unlikely to start.
Ecuador has just four points from four matches thus far, but is entering this contest claiming they "have nothing to loose."
Look for Ecuador to try and launch some quick counter attacks in order to try and catch the home side off guard at the back.
Form Guide:
Argentina (W,D,W,W,D)
08/20/2003 Argentina-Uruguay (Friendly) 3-2
09/06/2003 Argentina-Chile (World Cup Qual.)2-2
09/09/2003 Venezuela-Argentina (World Cup Qual.) 0-3
11/15/2003 Argentina-Bolivia (World Cup Qual.)3-0
11/19/2003 Colombia-Argentina (World Cup Qual.) 1-1
Ecuador
W,L,L,D,L)
09/06/2003 Ecuador-Venezuela (World Cup Qual.)2-0
09/10/2003 Brazil-Ecuador (World Cup Qual.) 1-0
11/15/2003 Paraguay-Ecuador (World Cup Qual.) 2-1
11/19/2003 Ecuador-Peru (World Cup Qual.) 0-0
03/10/2004 Mexico-Ecuador (Friendly) 2-1
Probable Lineups:
ARGENTINA: Pablo Cavallero; Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze; Clemente Rodríguez, Luis González, Juan Pablo Sorín; Pablo Aimar, Andrés D'Alessandro; César Delgado, Hernán Crespo and Mariano González.
ECUADOR: José Cevallos; Ulises De la Cruz, Iván Hurtado, Giovanni Espinoza, Néicer Reasco; Alfonso Obregón, Marlon Ayoví, Edwin Tenorio, Edison Méndez, Kléber Chalá; Carlos Tenorio.
Referee: Martín Vázquez (Uruguay). :yuck:
Players To Watch:
Pablo Aimar (Argentina) the diminutive playmaker must bring his 'A' game if Argentina is to be successful. He has been dynamite for Valencia this season and it's time for him to shine on the international stage.
Iván Hurtado (Ecuador) the experienced fullback will need to be in outstanding form as he is a key component in his squad's back line. His commanding presence at the back should ensure that Ecuador's defence remains organized under extreme pressure.